The Charlotte Hornets badly need another point guard. Chris Paul looks like he isn't retiring before the season ends. Maybe the two parties can join forces this year, even though the Hornets have barely been mentioned, if at all, as his next potential landing spot.
The 12-time All-Star's reunion with the LA Clippers has recently concluded. It was definitely a surprising turn of events, as the expectation was that this season would be his retirement tour. But instead of a fairy-tale ending to an illustrious career with the franchise he was vital in transforming in the 2010s, he was sent home amid rumors of friction with the organization that currently has a worse record than the Hornets.
Homecoming for the future HOFer?
But what if Paul indeed decides to go home to North Carolina? As many know, he was born in Winston-Salem and grew up in Lewisville. He stayed in-state throughout high school and college, playing for West Forsyth High School and Wake Forest University.
Interestingly, his NBA career began with the New Orleans Hornets, eight years before the team rebranded to the New Orleans Pelicans, which consequently allowed the Charlotte Bobcats to retake the moniker.
So, in many ways, his possible move to the current Hornets would be a welcome homecoming.
It might seem like an illogical move, though, as he would likely want to end his playing career trying to contend for an elusive ring, if possible. Meanwhile, the Hornets are in the middle of a lengthy rebuild and already have a full roster. Talks revolving around his next potential employer have typically not included Charlotte.
Still, Paul could turn out to be a great addition for Buzz City. LaMelo Ball might benefit from having a mentor who can teach him how to unleash his playmaking skills further and improve his shot selection while also holding him accountable whenever he screws up.
Moreover, the Hornets' weakness has continued to be the lack of a reliable offensive facilitator every time Ball is on the bench or in street clothes. Paul could easily address that and might even be able to help Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller find where their sweet spots are on offense.
Not unprecedented for Hornets
Acquiring an old point guard with a Hall of Fame resume wouldn't be uncharted territory for the organization, as it was only seven years ago when it shocked the NBA world by signing Tony Parker.
The San Antonio Spurs legend ended up playing just one season with the Hornets, retiring in 2019. However, he was instrumental in the team finishing with one of its best records in the past decade.
Maybe Paul can do something similar in Charlotte this year. But fans who agree with me shouldn't get their hopes up either, as the chances of the Hornets pursuing him and him opting to spend his "one last ride" with a non-playoff squad are pretty slim. Hopefully, though, the franchise has plans to address the lack of a bona fide locker-room leader and a dependable point guard in the coming months.